Strategy 2021

Next week, all parents will receive a copy of the school’s strategic plan. Strategy 2021 was finalized by the Board of Governors and Administrators and highlights the priorities for the growth and direction of our school over the next few years. These ambitious goals were created following hundreds of hours of parent, staff and student collaboration received over the last two years and will help ensure student learning and engagement remain at the forefront of everything we do. Watch for your copy next week.

Coffee with the HOS Coffee in Central - October 4 @ 10am

Save the date and join Head of School David Baird for a coffee at the Starbucks in IFC (near the Apple Store) on Thursday, October 4 at 10am. Feel free to drop in and share your insights, concerns, kudos, and suggestions with the HOS. Coffee is on him.

Upcoming School Photos

Just a reminder that school photos take place October 8 - 12. LS homeroom teachers will post date and time details for when their class will have their photos taken on their blogs. US homeroom teachers will communicate times with their students.

CDNIS wins Bronze in the 16th HK Green School Awards!

See the Green School Award photos and the story on the Taking Action website. Special thanks go to the facilities management team, the students and staff in the Roots & Shoots and e-clubs, and the Green Thumbs urban gardening work on the Green Roof, members of the School Environmental Education Development (SEED) committee and the school leadership who support us along the way.

Student Online Medical Forms

Medical forms are updated yearly and it is essential that parents do this as a matter of priority, if you haven't already done so. Due to safety issues, children will not be able to participate in ASAs or field trips until the form has been completed. Please log in to the Parent Portal and click on "School Policies" on the menu to complete the Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization form. For further questions, please contact the School Nurses.

Happy "Canadian" Thanksgiving

In honour of Canadian Thanksgiving (October 8), a collection of paper maple leaves are available in the 9/F lobby this week and next for students, staff and parents to write what they are thankful for. The leaves will be displayed in the 9/F lobby after Mid-Term break until Halloween. 

Halloween Celebrations

This year, the entire school will mark the occasion on Friday, November 2. Students from Pre Reception to Grade 12, staff and parents are encouraged to dress up! It's never too early to plan your costume, but please remember that our school is "weapons-free" in terms of costumes and related props (i.e. no swords, knives, etc). We also request that - with students at CDNIS being as young as 4-years old - you are mindful of the use of "gore" and scary costumes. Check out some of the costumes from last year right here!

Save the date: Terry Fox Run Hong Kong

The 6th Annual Terry Fox Run in Hong Kong is coming up on Saturday, November 3! CDNIS continues to be a strong supporter of this fun, non-competitive, and meaningful event to raise awareness of those who persevere through cancer while raising money for local cancer research. All the money that is raised by the Hong Kong Terry Fox Run stays in Hong Kong, supporting researchers at HKU and CUHK, over $3.5 million over the years! Further details coming soon.

Save the Date: US Production

Join us on a trip to the village of Chelm for the Upper School Mainstage Production, 'Village of Idiots' by John Lazarus. You'll be rolling in the aisles from laughter in this performance that is fun for the whole family. Performances will be on November 29 and 30 at 7pm, with a 2pm performance on Saturday, December 1.Tickets will be on sale on the 6/F bridge and from the LLAC Lobby starting November 5. 

Save the Date - CDNIS Golf Day

Join us for the 3rd Annual CDNIS Golf Day on Friday, November 30 at Shek O Country Club. All funds raised will go to support the CDNIS Annual Giving Campaign. Details will be released after the Mid-Term break. Enjoy a great afternoon of golf and all skill levels are welcome. Watch this space!

Veracross - Parent Portal

All parents received an email two weeks ago with instructions on how to set up their accounts in Veracross. If you have not done this, or didn’t receive the email inviting you to join, please reach out to OneDoor. Currently, parents can log on and check/update their family details, update their child’s medical details, and enter their child’s absence from school, in addition to checking their recorded lates and absences. Additional features will be rolled out over the coming months.

Traffic and Safety

We work hard to make CDNIS a safe environment. Since there is no public parking at CDNIS and no parking along Nam Long Shan Road, we encourage students/parents to use the school bus. But if you do have to drive, please follow the directions of our security guards/police. LS students get dropped @ 9/F entrance, US students/taxis @ LLAC. Please note that all drivers must turn left when exiting the school roundabouts. A gentle reminder to drivers to be courteous when merging lanes at the bottom of the hill (the intersect of Police School Road and Nam Long Shan Road).

2018/19 Second Term Tuition Fee Invoice

The 2018/19 second term tuition fee is due on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. Invoices will be attached to CDNIS parents' email account on October 3, 2018. Any inquiries can be directed to our Accounts Department.

Google Classroom no longer in use

As the school finalises parent access to digital classrooms through Veracross and Google we will need to discontinue the Google Classroom parent access feature for the time being. If you need to check your child's learning process, please ask your child to log into their Google accounts and show you. We will keep you informed once digital classroom access is finalised. If you have any queries please contact John Turner in Room 701. 

No School - have you marked your calendar?

Just a reminder there is no school for students during Mid Term Break that takes place October 15-19, while Monday, October 22 is a Professional Development Day for staff. Please mark these dates on your calendar. The full school calendar is also available in the Parent Handbook and on the main school website.

LLAC Marquee

Tuesday, October 2: Lit Blitz Book Fair (Lobby), IB Recital (Theatre)
Wednesday, October 3: Lit Blitz Book Fair (Lobby), Student Advisory (Theatre)
Thursday, October 4: Lit Blitz Book Fair (Lobby)
Friday, October 5: Lit Blitz Book Fair (Lobby)

Collection of Annual Field Trip Fees

A kind reminder about the field trip annual fee collection. Letters were sent to all parents last week with specific details or please check your child's teacher's blog for more information. Cheques can be made out to "CDNIS".

Performing and Visual Arts Coffee Morning

Join LS Principal Helen Kelly and the Pre Reception to Grade 6 Performing and Visual Arts teachers in the LLAC Lobby on Wednesday, October 10 from 7:30am-8:30am. You'll explore how the Arts are a critical part of future-ready learning by experiencing the process of creating works of art, musical compositions, and dance sequences during this interactive, hands-on session. To RSVP, please sign up here. Learn more about the PAVA team here.

Lunchtime Roots and Shoots programme

Grade 3-5 students, if you want to do things to improve the earth, our community, and be the kind of leader that our world needs, this is the group for you! The first lunchtime Roots and Shoots programme meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 3, and Wednesdays thereafter. To sign up, contact Ms. Bonnie Calanchini.

Mid Term Holiday Camp

Celebrate Autumn at CDNIS! The Mid-term holiday camp will run from Monday, October 15 - Tuesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 18 - Friday, October 19. Please visit the ASA website for more information.

Student Absences

Please note that if your child is away due to reasons such as illness or family travel, etc., our student information database indicates this as "absent." Please inform your child's homeroom teacher in such instances so we can note "absent with parent permission."

Grade 11 Parent Information Evening

Current Grade 11 parents are encouraged to attend our upcoming parent information evening on Thursday, October 11 from 6pm - 8pm in the LLAC Lobby. This evening will look at how the Guidance team collaborates with parents to support students as they research and prepare for post-secondary life. An email will be sent to Grade 11 @CDNIS parent email addresses with logistical information.

University of Alberta School of Business and Scholarship opportunity

Dr. Doucette and Dr. Wong will be visiting the campus Tuesday, October 9 to meet students and parents interested in the University of Alberta School of Business and the Dr. John Poon Award & Scholarship in Business, a very significant scholarship exclusive to CDNIS students. They will be on campus from 11am to 3pm. Parents are invited to make an appointment with Elsa Leung if they would like to learn more about this excellent school and programme and the very generous scholarship.

Upcoming University Visits

CDNIS hosts over 300 post-secondary institutions every year. Here are some of upcoming visits: Dartmouth College, October 4 @ lunchtime; American University, October 5 @ lunchtime; McMaster University, October 5 @ 3pm; Saint Mary's University, October 10 @ lunchtime; University College Cork, October 10 @ 2:45pm; Savannah College of Art and Design - SCAD, Hong Kong, October 23 @ lunchtime; and Drexel University, October 25 @ lunchtime. All visits take place in US Guidance unless noted otherwise.

ACT - Test Centre Update

Due to complications with the online format of the standardized test ACT, US Guidance has decided to close our school as a test centre. System support and network management are better serviced in the public testing centres. Until their online platform and procedures are stabilised, students are better served at a public centre where technical advisors are personally present. CDNIS will not host the ACT in December and April.

Parent Workshop - Stress, Anxiety and your Teen

The US Guidance department is excited to offer an early evening parent workshop Stress, Anxiety & your Teen- identification, and assistance on Tuesday, October 9 @ 6pm-7:30pm - LLAC lobby. All parents welcomed. Registration is required. Please sign up here.

It’s the CDNIS Book Fair

From Tuesday, October 2 to Friday, October 5, the LLAC Lobby will turn into a big book store with all the most popular and up-and-coming titles in kids’ literature brought to CDNIS by three respected vendors! It is recommended that participating students bring $100-$200 with which to buy books. It's all a part of Lit Blitz festivities!

Join the Storybook Pumpkin Showcase

Grab a pumpkin and some paint! This is a fun, creative event for all students and families. Painted pumpkins (no carving please!) will be displayed in the library from October 2 -12 as a part of all the great Lit Blitz festivities.

Dress up for International Library Day

On Tuesday, October 9, the CDNIS Library will transform into the United Nations of books and literature for International Library Day. As part of the festivities, all LS students are welcome to dress up in their national costume or sports wear that supports their national team!

Wear your pyjamas and eat some pancakes!

The CISPA Literacy Committee will put Lit Blitz to bed with a big pyjama party and a special pancake lunch. On Friday, October 12, students in Prep to Grade 6 are invited to come to school in their pyjamas for a crazy all-day sleepover (but without the sleeping, of course).

Last chance to register as a vendor for the FFF!

Do you have a product or service that CDNIS families would enjoy or appreciate? The shopping area at the CISPA Family Fun Fair is the place for you. The application period to book a vendor table closes this Friday, October 5.

Outreach Committee Meeting

Join the Outreach Committee meeting on Wednesday, October 10 starting at 8am. This Committee provides funds, support and mentorship to members of our community who are leading charitable initiatives.

More delicious dim sum with CISPA

We just can’t get enough dim sum! Join CISPA and other CDNIS parents for another delicious dumpling lunch on Thursday, October 11 at 12 noon at the Hong Kong Country Club. Everyone welcome.

LIGHTS//OUT private boxing class for CDNIS parents

LIGHTS//OUT is an immersive boxing group class under ever changing playlists and lights. Join the CISPA Welcome Committee for a special private class on Thursday, October 25, just for CDNIS parents. Only 18 spots available on a first come, first served basis. Book your spot today!

CISPA Outreach Refugee Walk

If you’re looking for something fulfilling and engaging to do with your family over the break, please join the CISPA Outreach Refugee Walk on Monday, October 22, from 10am to 12:30pm. This event is suitable for kids 8+ and includes a wonderful lunch prepared by a Sri Lankan chef at the refugee center.

Healthcare professionals volunteer needed to help HK's needy communities

Working closely with the Hong Kong-based NGO Health In Action, SM-EYE-LE is a new Global Goals Club at CDNIS focused on bridging health disparities in Hong Kong by providing optical, medical, and dental services to refugees and other disadvantaged groups. SM-EYE-LE aims to set up clinic days and is seeking healthcare professionals who would like to volunteer their time. Please email smritisafaya@cdnis.edu.hk if interested.

Oct 4, 2018
Coffee with the HOS Coffee in Central

Oct 8, 2018
School Photos Begin

Oct 10, 2018
LS Visual & Performing Arts Parent Coffee Morning

Oct 11, 2018
Grade 11 Parent Information Night - Post Secondary Process

Oct 12, 2018
LS Pancake and Pyjama Day

Oct 15, 2018
Mid-Term Break October 15-19

Oct 22, 2018
NO SCHOOL - Professional Learning Day

Oct 31, 2018
Second Term School Tuition Fee Deadline

Nov 2, 2018
Halloween Celebration

Nov 3, 2018
Terry Fox Run Hong Kong

Nov 30, 2018
CDNIS Golf Day